Case Study

A year ago I was going for my 9th Smear Test and becoming increasingly frustrated by the fact that I had abnormal results everytime and intercourse was becoming more painful day by day. The doctors in the UK could tell me nothing other than it wasn't cancer! So I resolved myself to thinking that it was all in my mind and to grin and bear it till it went away and started to plan my life again.

I had always wanted to travel and I decided to buy an around the world ticket! Excited I arrived in Sydney in the December of 2003. When January came nothing had improved with my situation and my mother phoned to tell me I needed to go for yet another smear test! Again I went but this time it was different, my doctor referred me to Dr Reid who diagnosed me with vulvodynia and said that my pelvic area was in secondry spasm. In turn Dr Ried referred me to Marek Jantos, who has been a great help. At first I was not convinced it would work, especially due to the fact that I was travelling and had to see him in three different cities during the course of my teatment! But after perservering and trying to do my 'exercises' in busy dorm rooms; there came a day, when suddenly I realised the intense pain had eased. I'm not saying that I am completely cured but I am a lot better then I was. And with this there was a change in attitude that tomorrow I may still feel the same, but in a month I will definitely feel better!

R.J. - Age 22 - Yorkshire UK - Return to Top

Case Study

My childhood memories are full of joyous times but also sad, depressing moments. I remember being 8 years old and being sexually abused by a sibling’s friend. I was handled roughly and molested to the extent where I cannot recall certain details from this incident – I have a “black spot”. From there on I took a dive. I was involved in drinking and smoking on a regular basis, with my “friends” typically 5 or more years older than I was. At the age of 12, I started a relationship with a 17-year-old. This ended badly 5 months later when he started stealing money off me to purchase heroin. The 5 year trend continued to when I was 14, dating a 19-year-old. In both of these relationships the guys emphasised the sexual side, however I was more than uncomfortable at being penetrated, hence I stuck to anything but penetrative sex. Through the age of 8 to 17 I was sexually abused on many occasions by boyfriends, supposed friends and even school acquaintances, and had a case of stalking with a 50-year-old man obsessed with my sexuality since I was a 9 year old girl. Thankfully during these years only a few males attempted to penetrate me which I was able to avoid. By this time I was a mess. I was jumping from one relationship to another through high school, could not successfully use a tampon, and suffered self-loathing and depression. When I tried to insert anything, it felt like a huge muscular wall stopping any entry.

After consulting with general doctors on what could be wrong, I received varying comments. The most common was that there was nothing physically wrong, and that it would naturally be tight if I were nervous. In most cases this is quite true, however I knew there was a deeper reason. The most insulting comment was where a GP snorted in disbelief when I explained the situation, and said it was all a mental issue, and I should “just get over it”.

During this time I was in a relationship with a very understanding and caring man. He knew of my difficulties and was patient and gentle and avoided doing anything I was uncomfortable with. I can’t imagine how frustrating things were for him, however we worked around the limits on the sexual side of things. At times the frustration was evident with both of us and this was when I was most self-conscious of my physical abnormality. In my eyes, I was a failure, a freak.

Using the symptoms of what I felt and what I was limited by, I discovered the terminology of my condition – vaginismus. I spent hours researching on the Internet and through medical journals. After months and months of research, I finally came upon the vulvar pain website. In desperation, I emailed Mr Marek Jantos asking for some sort of answer. He replied and, to my delight, informed me of his once a month sessions held in Brisbane.

I booked my first session for the middle of January 2004. My partner (who became my fiancé when he proposed to me in December 2003) accompanied me as I took very shaky and nervous steps into the Wesley Hospital. My first session was very nerve-wracking!

I met Mr. Jantos and on first impression he was a pleasant man. Thankfully my fiancé was standing by my side stroking my hair. After discussing my condition and the treatment program, Mr Jantos taught me how to breathe to relax myself and my pelvic muscles. I left that day with a sliver of hope in my heart.

Over the next month I worked hard at home using the dilator and the biofeedback device to strengthen my muscles. Each time my partner would lie with me and encourage me and help me relax and laugh. Once I returned to Mr Jantos he was pleased with my efforts and the progress that I had made. During that session I progressed to a no. 4 dilator! My heart soared as I left, believing in myself, Mr Jantos and my partner. The next month I was unable to attend and I began to find less time to practice at home. I became afraid that I was failing and dreaded my next visit. None the less, Mr. Jantos was even more so encouraging, giving me advice on ways of massaging and relaxing other parts of my body.

A couple of weeks later I was using the dilators and my partner was helping me relax my muscles. We came to the conclusion that I was very relaxed, and became curious as to how much penetration I could take. With great patience, time, relaxing and breathing I was able to take full penetration of my partner with minimal pain and discomfort. I was over the moon! A few nights later, with the same patience and effort, I was able to have penetration in a different position and enjoy having sex.

Up to this point I have recently returned from another useful and progressive session. I went up two sizes in dilators, and have found new inner muscles that need to be softened and stretched. According to Mr Jantos, I am 75% of the way there.

Throughout this ordeal I leaned so heavily on my partner. I thank my fiancé for sticking with me through thick or thin. His love and continual faith in my abilities and strength provided me with hope. I was scared of facing the darkness alone, and you held my hand the whole time.

To this day I am grateful to Mr Jantos for believing where other medical professionals have failed to believe, for having the patience that not many would be so understanding of. Mr Jantos you provided the support and care in helping me overcome a huge hurdle in my life, and I am eternally indebted. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, as do the thousands of others whose lives you changed for the better.

K.D. Age 19 - Brisbane - Return to Top

THE OTHER SIDE... a note from my partner.

Before my fiancée and I saw Mr Jantos, I was at first sceptical as to whether or not he could help my partner, and in turn, help our relationship. But that all changed after the first session. He helped my fiancée in more ways than one – physically, mentally and emotionally. He explained in great detail what her condition was without losing us in the process. Surprise and amazement are two words that come to mind. Surprised by the fact that he never forgot to include me in the sessions and showed me how I can help more with my fiancée. I was amazed by how well my partner was doing and is doing with the sessions. I am infinitely proud of her and forever thankful for Mr Jantos.

N.O. Age: 22 - Brisbane - Return to Top

Case Study

I started to experience some very weird sensations in my vaginal and outer groin area about two years ago, but if I trace back through history I realise that I have experienced the symptoms of Vulvodynia and Vulval Vestibulitis for much longer, they had just become more pronounced.

The list of sympoms that I experience is so long that sometimes I even forget, however I will try to remember them all. It first started out with difficulty inserting tampons and also removing them, this had been going on for many years and I really thought nothing of it. When having intercourse initially I would have to take things slow until full penetration was reached. The intercourse itself did and does hurt however I have experienced severe chaffing whilst having intercourse and a very hot burning sensation afterwards and also pain in the vestibules. I began to get a burning sensation all around my vulva and also experienced a very cold sensation. Sometimes my clitoris is tingly or itchy, sometimes other parts of my vulval and outer vaginal skin are itchy or feel irritated. I get a weird popping sensation like air bubbles, and get a sensation like ants sprinting across the skin of my outer labia, all of these sensations can last for a couple of hours or a couple of days at a time. My vulval skin gets very red and swollen and often feels raw. The haired area's of my vagina especially on the outer right and left hand sides feel very sore to the touch or when pressure is placed on that area. This sensation lasts for either days or weeks at a time.

I experience a sensation that I call an electric shock, I often get these sensations all around the vulva area and also get a very painful stabbing feeling that feels like it is going from the outside of my vagina through the vaginal entrance, this is a nasty one as it often lifts me off my chair. My outer labia's both ache, a deep muscle ache and I also experience a pulling feeling inside sometimes whilst urinating or after urinating.

I seem to be allergic to every cream or ointment put on the market, this has only occurred in the last two years since the symptoms became more pronounced. I have also been diagnosed with vulval dermatitis and contact dermatitis, and the skin in and around my vulva and perineal area gets very dry and the skin either peels or cracks. I also experience anal symptoms such as itching, burning, red and swollen or a smarting feeling around the anus, the skin also gets very dry in this area.

The symtoms I experience also extend toward the stomach region and also down my legs. A sensation like a dull stabbing pain shoots from my clitoris toward my belly button, this sensation feels like it is deep inside. I get aching in both my ankles and knees and a sensation like my legs have been cut mid thigh, the bottom of my legs first of all feel kind of sunburnt and sensitive to the touch (such as with trouser material), and then this develops into a deep muscle ache that last for about 3 to 4 hours, this usually occurs after I have been sitting or travelling for a long period of time. My lower back aches very regularly. The skin on my back, stomach, shoulders and arms becomes very sensitive to the touch at times and also sensitive to material and water pressure.

Bearing all this in mind I was referred to Dr Richard Reid who diagnosed the Vestibulitis and the dermatitis. I stumbled upon Dr Reids referral quite by accident and also after attending many many GP's and Gyno's many times. I have had pelvic ultrasounds and also a back X-ray, have attended chiro, physio and osteo, and have had that many internal and external vaginal examinations that I dare not count, all with no results. My GP tried me on amitriptylene, but I had an adverse reaction to the medication.

Dr Reid referred me to Marek Jantos, and I have attended my first appointment with him. During the appointment we were able to recreate some of the thigh and lower back pain I experience by placing pressure on certain inner muscles. I was also able to see how biofeedback works and how gaining control of my muscles will rectify my condition. I was given a U control unit and a dilator and I use the U control unit twice a day for fifteen minutes each time. In the three weeks since my appointment I feel as though I have already improved and am confident that the biofeedback therapy will prove successful for me. I am very thankful that I am able to access this therapy and that I now don't feel like such a freak, as dealing with this kind of condition can leave you feeling quite depressed and isolated if you are not aware that there is help available.

So thank you to both Dr Reid and Marek for helping to make me feel like there is hope. I am so looking forward to the day that I write that I no longer suffer with a chronic pain condition.

Entered in two weeks later:

In addition to the symptoms that I previously mentioned I was also suffering with frequency and urgency issues in regard to emptying my bladder. I had two appointments with Marek in Sydney and we did some release work in regard to these issues. After the first session the urgency had significantly decreased, and during the night I did not have to visit the bathroom once whereas before I was going to the bathroom 4 to 5 times per night. After the second session I have noticed that the urgency no longer exists and over the last two nights I have not had to go to the bathroom once, so I have been able to have uninterrupted sleep yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Marek took my biofeedback readings at these appointments and my resting baseline has decreased from 6.7 to 0.8 which is a huge difference and also means that I no longer have to continue with the biofeedback and now my focus is on the release work. Thank you so much to Marek as I am beginning to feel human again, which also means a great release of tension worry and stress about what was happening to my body. I am so grateful that I have been able to work with Marek as I am already seeing results.

K.A. - Age 24 - Sydney - Return to Top

Case Study

I visited a different General Practitioner in April 2001 with whom I discussed the various problems I had endured as a result of using the pill, even though I was on a very low dosage. One female specialist recommended I try the contraceptive injection; Depo-Ralovera as she indicated that she had provided it to many of her patients and they all thought it was an excellent method of birth control. I had the injection and from that point onwards, I had spotting for nine months and intercourse was so painful that it became impossible.

I went back to my original GP who referred me to a Gynaecologist who sent me for an internal ultrasound and other various internal swabs even though I had described the pain as being external. All the test results were clear and she was unable to pinpoint the problem and advised me that even though I didn’t have Candida, I had the symptoms and they would eventually subside.

I was unhappy with her diagnosis and went back to my GP once again. He was completely honest and said he was not able to help me as he did not specialise in this area and suggested that he could refer me to another Gynaecologist. At this point, I declined as I felt that whatever I was suffering from was not going to be diagnosed by a traditional Gynaecologist.

I did some research on the internet and spoke to many people about my problem. I was relatively depressed as I was starting to feel that I would not find a cure and suffer with the pain for the rest of my life.

My sister then suggested that I visit her GP as she read medical journals and attended various medical conferences. I made an appointment and discovered that my sister was absolutely right. Her GP immediately referred me to Dr. Pagano at the Royal Women's Hospital (Melbourne) Vulvar Disorder Clinic and he diagnosed me with Vulvar Vestibulitis in March 2002.

I was prescribed Nizoral tablets for the first 6 months and when that failed, I was prescribed Endep (3 per night) and Diflucan (1 per month). Whilst these medications helped somewhat, they didn’t relieve my discomfort and I was then referred to Marek Jantos. I started seeing him on a monthly basis from September 2003.

At first I thought the bio-feedback was only making a small difference, however the readings were improving each month. After the first three months had passed, I started using dilators and, I then started noticing a dramatic improvement each month. My partner has also assisted me with some muscle release work to help reduce the tightness and bracing of the muscles in the pelvic area.

It is now March 2004 and I have almost fully recovered. I am still taking Endep and Diflucan and will continue to use the dilators and get my partner to assist with the muscle release work until I feel that I don’t require them any longer.

To all those women out there suffering with similar conditions – please don’t give up hope of obtaining a correct diagnosis and finding the right cure for your condition! I’m so glad I persisted by trying the various medications and the bio-feedback therapy.

T.W. - Age 25 - Melbourne - Return to Top

Case Study

I began suffering pain with sexual intercourse following the birth of my first child 11 months ago. I had a vaginal delivery induced by prostaglandin gel when I was 10 days past my due date. During the birth I suffered borderline third degree internal and external tearing. I tore along the posterior wall of my vagina and along my perineum through to my anal sphincter.

I didn't realise the extent or severity of my tearing until five weeks after the birth when my husband and I tried to have sex and were unable to achieve penetration. Any attempt at penetration caused a burning stinging pain at the entrance of my vagina. At my six week post natal check-up my GP reassured me that it can often take up to 8 to 10 weeks for vaginal scar tissue to heal. So, I waited.

After 3 months, I was still pain was unable to tolerate even partial penetration. My GP referred me to a gynaecologist who diagnosed vaginismus (vaginal spasm) and sent me to a physiotherapist specialising in post-natal care. I attended two sessions a week for six weeks and my physio performed vaginal and perineum massage on my scar tissue. Through massage my physio was able to take away any sensitivity along my scar lines and isolated my areas of pain to the vaginal vestibule. However, I was still unable to have sexual intercourse and my gynaecologist had now prescribed anti-depressants for nerve sensitivity stating if my condition did not improve in the next few months then a surgical procedure may be necessary. I was not comfortable taking anti-depressants while breastfeeding and the last thing I wanted was more stitches in my vagina! I was not confident of a successful outcome.

By this time five months had passed and I was an emotional mess. Adjusting to life with a new baby is a big change in itself but the lack of intimacy with my husband was affecting me and I was starting to feel depressed. My sexual desire waned and I started pushing my husband away. I did not want physical contact of any kind, not even everyday affection such as kissing and cuddling.

It was at this stage that I found Marek Jantos after reading an article on Vulvodynia in B magazine. I contacted him via the website and fortunately he was due to visit Brisbane to see patients and was able to give me an appointment. Marek started me on biofeedback and my condition improved significantly after four months of treatment. Through U-Control and other techniques that Marek has taught me I am now consciously aware of how to contract, release and regain strength in my pelvic floor muscles again.

I have now been using dilators for the last couple of months and after six months of treatment with Marek I am pleased to say that my husband and I are enjoying a healthy sex life again. We attended sexual counselling to help overcome the emotional barriers that had been created and it now feels like life is back to normal again. Sex remains uncomfortable at times. The difference now is that I am aware of what causes the pain and I know that it can be managed.

S.C. Age 30 - Brisbane - Return to Top

Case Study

I have lived with vulva pain for approximately 3 ½ years. I have been to so many doctors and specialist try to get an answer for the problems I was having. I have been diagnosed with just a bladder infection to herpes, I was even tested for HIV. All blood test came back normal. I have tried every cream possible to help ease the irritation, which only worked, if at all, only temporarily. I also suffered from depression, due to not knowing what was going on with my body and being uncomfortable all the time. After being shuffled from one specialist to another without any answers, I finally was referred to a specialist who took the time to listen and did not believe I was making it up! (which was implied by one specialist). After discovering I need to have minor surgery, which I had and was successful, I was still suffering from extreme pain with intercourse. To assist with the sensitivity, I changed from using soap to using a soap free liquid, cotton underwear and changed my washing powered.

Then it was suggested to me to see a behavioural medicine specialist, which I honestly didn't think would work, but though I may as well give it a try as I have already tired everything else. After seeing Marek, I got to understand how the muscles worked and how much they affect you. My muscles got so worked up because I would get anxious every time I attempted intercourse or having tests due to the pain associated with it. After three years of tensing my muscles they began to constantly sit at the tense level, didn't relax. I still cannot believe that Marek was able to help me. I learned how to relax my muscles and get them down to a normal reading. I saw Marek for about six/seven months and I cannot believe that it has now all come to an end and I can get on with my life!!

B.M. Age 24 - Adelaide - Return to Top

Case Study

My husband and I were both virgins when we married in January 1996. Much to our horror, we were not able to have intercourse at all on our honeymoon, as I suffered from severe cramps of the vaginal muscles which simply prevented intercourse. Attempts at intercourse were not very painful, just impossible. It felt like there was a brick wall in there. During my teens I had been unable to use tampons for the same reason but had assumed the problem would disappear when I was able to have intercourse. We were both extremely unhappy and depressed about the situation, but did not feel that we could talk to anyone about it.

I read a little about a condition called “vaginismus” in a women’s health book and assumed this was probably what I had. There were no solutions provided in the book, merely a suggestion that the problem was psychological in nature. I eventually summoned the courage to visit my GP, who had heard of vaginismus but had no knowledge of its treatment. He did not examine me, but based on my description of the symptoms gave me a large plastic speculum, a prescription for a muscle relaxant, and instructions to “go home, insert this every day, and take the muscles relaxant before bedtime to relax”. This proved absolutely impossible, as I was not even able to insert a tampon, let alone a penis-sized object.

Even more depressed and hopeless, I continued to read whatever I could find about “vaginismus”. One particularly scary psychology book suggested getting the vaginismus sufferer’s partner to rape her – total ignorance as the muscle spasm was so strong it would be impossible. Not at all helpful!

We moved to Sydney in late 1997 and I found a new GP who also had qualifications in Ob/Gyn. He was able to examine me and diagnosed vaginismus but said I had no physical obstructions in the vagina. He recommended a psychologist who specialised in sexual trauma.

I saw the psychologist once a month for about nine months. Her focus was on improving self esteem, and uncovering any forgotten sexual trauma or abuse hidden somewhere in my psyche. As I knew there was no trauma in my history, and there had been no progress at all, I stopped seeing her.

About this time, I found an internet support group for sufferers of vaginismus. I remember feeling very emotional reading others’ stories and it was a huge relief to know there were others with the same problems I was having, a few of whom had successfully overcome them using dilators. I started using some small candles as dilators but was mostly unsuccessful. Trying to insert anything in the vagina had by this stage become quite painful. For a few months I avidly read about others’ experiences, but found that it became depressing to think of so many others without a cure in sight. There were thousands of women who had suffered from vaginismus for years, and only a handful who had found a cure.

By July 2000 I was so desperate to get help for this condition, I left my stressful accounting job to concentrate on finding treatment. As my husband and I were thinking about having a baby by this time, I went to see a naturopath who specialises in reproductive health and nutrition, wondering if the muscle spasm was due to a lack of some nutrient or other. Although I felt much improved health, lost some weight (I had put on 25kgs since getting married, due to “comfort eating”) and felt less depressed on the naturopathic treatment, there was no change in the muscle spasm. I continued seeing the naturopath for some years, hoping for gradual improvement but also because I felt healthier. During this time I also saw a hypnotherapist, on the naturopath’s recommendation, who was very anxious to help. She was able to help me learn to relax the body in general, but there was little difference in the vaginal muscle spasm. A homeopath working in consultation with the naturopath was also consulted to little avail.

As no-one had helped by this stage, I went through the yellow pages, and rang all the sex therapists within 100km and asked who had experience in successfully treating vaginismus. One female doctor said she had extensive experience with vaginismus, but unfortunately the treatment was much the same as the original psychologist I saw and, although there was minimal improvement with the use of dilators, I was still unable to have intercourse or even use a tampon comfortably.

My husband and I decided in July 2002 to seek treatment from a clinic located in New York which specialised in vaginismus. There was a six month waiting list so we booked two weeks of intensive treatment, and sat back to wait. The cost of the treatment, including accommodation and airfares, would have been over AUS $28,000, given the horrendous exchange rates at the time. As this is well over two thirds of our annual net income, we were thinking of this as the last thing we would try. However, we ended up not having to go to New York after all.

I decided, while we were waiting, to see if there was anything else I could possibly try in Australia to avoid this large expense. An internet search found a web site I had not seen before, the Vulvar Pain site. Inquiries revealed treatment included biofeedback, something I had not tried before. I made an appointment with Marek Jantos for his next Sydney clinic.

I was dubious that it would work and rang Marek the day before my appointment to cancel, as I had read some reviews on the internet which dismissed biofeedback as “useless” and “ineffective”. He convinced me to at least see for myself, so I went to the appointment.

Through a combination of biofeedback, dilators, and massage therapy I was able to see significant improvement within three months. All along Marek had been suggested that I see Dr Reid, the gynecologist he works with in Sydney, to ensure there were no physical problems. As I had been examined years ago by my GP, I was reluctant but eventually agreed to an examination.

Dr Reid diagnosed me with severe inflammation of the Bartholin’s glands, which are two very small glands near the opening of the vagina. Due to the severity of the inflammation, microsurgery was necessary to remove the glands, and at the same time Dr Reid also performed a hymenectomy. The surgery was performed in October 2002 and, after some further dilator training and biofeedback, my husband and I were finally able to have intercourse in January 2003. It has only become better, and I can also comfortably use tampons. Now we are hoping to become pregnant ASAP!

The relief to be “normal” finally is tremendous and I cannot recommend Marek Jantos and Dr Richard Reid highly enough for their skill, patience and professionalism.

R.G. Age 28 - Sydney - Return to Top

Case Study

When my partner & I first got together our sex life was wonderfully normal and continued to be for several months until I suffered thrush more and more frequently until finally I was in so much pain and discomfort I couldn't sit properly let alone have sexual intercourse.

When I was 16 I was diagnosed with Endometriosis and subsequently had two operations, however I continued to experience severe abdominal pain. Knowing I suffered with Endometriosis my doctors always put every bit of pain I ever experienced down to it and never look for any other problems.

Thinking that the thrush was my fault for eating too much sugary foods and drinks I tried numerous diets and even bought medication from America. Months passed with no improvement, it only seemed to get worse and by this time my partner and I had given up on sexual intercourse and stimulation altogether.

After many doctors, medication and misdiagnosis and constant unbearable pain I stumbled across an article in 'B' magazine, I couldn't believe what I was reading, it was like reading my medical and emotional history.

With this distant glimmer of hope I immediately contacted Dr. Marek who also recommended a local dermatologist and supplied a referral to allow me to see her first. Finally someone seemed to understand what I was going through.
I started to see Marek on a monthly basis. After my first consultation I left incredibly optimistic, he was the answer and support I thought I would never find. We started bio-feedback and after a few months I started on dilators. These were very daunting since I couldn't even insert a mini tampon without excruciating pain.

After a few months I could see definite improvements, it was so encouraging and you are able to monitor your improvement with the bio-feedback. Now after 9 months of treatment my partner and I are able to make love. I still have to practice my exercises and using the dilators before intercourse, it helps me to relax and stretch.

I hate to think what I might still be like if I hadn't found Marek, having to experience such pain and hopelessness for nearly 18 months was unbearable, and I'm incredibly thankful to Marek for all that he has done for me.

S.B. Age 23 - Brisbane - Return to Top

Case Study

I imagine that if you are reading this you have just been diagnosed with vulvodynia. At first, dealing with this diagnosis I found it difficult; I was so angry, frustrated and became increasingly depressed.

It as in July 2000 that I went to a local gynaecologist regarding the need to get up during the night to urinate. The symptom was simple, nothing else was wrong with me at this time, apart from missing out on a little sleep due to the need to get up 2 or 3 times a night. I was fit, active and in good health for 37 years. These sleepless nights started just before I had my son 7 years earlier. I had got used to waking; it was only after a trip away with my mother who complained this was not normal that I went to the doctor.

I had a volume test, ultrasound, smear and a couple of blood tests. All tests came back ok, with the exception that my bladder was not emptying. The doctor suggested that to avoid surgery, would have to change a couple of fluid intake patterns. No worries - all better.

Now the relevance of all this is that the smear test on this occasion was a little painful. I mentioned it to the doctor at the time, who suggested that I was imagining it and over-reacting (my thoughts were I have been having them for 20 years, this isn't normal), I realise this now, but I was showing symptoms already.

From this point, I began to have an itchy discomfort, and on a trip to the doctors with my son, I mentioned it to the doctor who suggested that I had thrush. For the next two years as things gradually deteriorated I had tried every thrush potion there was on the market, sleep was impossible, sex out of the question.

Eventually things were so bad, I asked for a referral to go back to the gynaecologist. He advised that I also had thrush and offered to put me on sleeping tablets so I could have sex and have a good night's sleep. (I was furious).

12 months went by and by this time, I had no opening of the vagina, periods were very upsetting, and I became depressed. My doctor kept putting things off. Eventually went on maternity leave and I decided to go to another doctor for a second opinion. The new doctor took one look and gave me a referral to another gynaecologist.

After another 6 months wait, this doctor said things were bad and she referred me to a specialist at Melbourne's Royal Women's Hospital. This specialist was on annual leave and I had to wait another six months. I cried for a week. I was ready to jump off the bridge. By this stage I was so swollen, my vagina looked like a basketball, squashed somehow, and completely white. Very bizarre!

Finally, this appointment day arrived. The doctor took one look at me and said I had a severe case of Lichen Sclerosis. Due to the fact it had now been 2 and a half years, it could not be cured. He advised me that it was misdiagnosed because it was very rare in someone of my age and found more so in women in their 80's. He treated the problem with cortisone and advised that I will need to continue using it for the rest of my life. As for the closing of the vagina, he suggested that once the Lichen Sclerosis was under control which he advised would eventually happen with the use of the cream, I could have the vagina re-opened with surgery. But he suggested that it would be at least another 6 to 8 months before this could be looked at due to the Lichen Sclerosis.

This is where Jantos' biofeedback therapy came into the picture. The specialist had a brochure about the biofeedback, which I took after my second visit - when things started to settle down (The treatment was almost instant, the swelling, itchiness, the stabbing pain stopped within the first week). After reading this I decided that after 3 years I wasn't going to wait any longer to something as extreme as being cut open and contacted the clinic.

I have been a participant of Biofeedback therapy for 6 months and on my last visit was advised that it was just about over, things were more normal and my aim was to have sex with my husband before my next visit.

Now the process is long, time consuming. I changed my job from being a professional horse trainer that rode horses 6 hours a day to a desk job where it turns out I was still sitting on my bum all day. The biofeedback started off as twice a day, and as part of the process I started to go to a physiotherapist and had deep tissue therapy up to twice a week, which started off as severe bruising after each session, to now every 10 days, where its actually pleasant.

As part of the muscle control I can now use the large dilator gently and as I write this look forward to having sex with my husband, which we anticipate will be shortly.

I guess after meeting with Jantos, and having general discussions, I have decided that I will take my health more into my own control and not rely on doctors. I haven't seen my original doctor since, but plan to send her Jantos' article on the problems; I believe she was totally naive of the problem.

Flare-ups are still possible, I appear to be allergic to every conceivable thing, and even washing my hair and clothing are now critical considerations. I was fortunate that I have a soul mate in my husband, although early in the piece it was very difficult. The pressure he put on me was enormous, our marriage nearly came to an end. But after being diagnosed and reading these other stories he came and stood by me. It has been truly a test for both of us. I have not told a single soul, the humiliation for me has been too great.

H.F. Age 37 - Melbourne - Return to Top

Case Study

It was after the birth of my first child that I started experiencing pain during intercourse (Jan '01). Prior to this our sex life was quite normal.

I had a very traumatic labour. It lasted 36 hours and I had a lot of complications. At my 6 week check up, I was still in a lot of pain and my doctor told me not to attempt intercourse for another 4 weeks, I was relieved as I knew something was wrong.

At first I thought I had been stitched up incorrectly as intercourse was so painful. Then I thought that I would just grin and bare it but I couldn't stop from crying. Finally after 7 months, I decided to go and see a female doctor. She told me that everything looked normal and gave me some cream to thicken the lining of my cervix. This did nothing.

I left it a few more months before going to a womens health clinic, knowing that there was something wrong with me (physically). She also told me that everything looked normal but suggested that I had post natal depression as one of the symptoms is lack of interest in sex. She referred me to a counsellor and also to a gynocologist just to make sure.

By this stage I was willing to give anything a try, so I had two sessions with the counsellor who proceeded to tell me that I was depressed. I was aware of the signs and I knew I wasnt depressed, my husband agreed. I decided not to go back to the counsellor.

My next step was to see the gynocologist. She also told me that nothing was wrong and basically told me that because I had such a terrible labour that it was 'all in my head'. I was almost convinced that it was but deep down I knew it was more than that.

Somehow I fell pregnant again in June '02 and I was determined not to go through labour again. I spoke to the doctor at the hospital and she agreed that I should have a caesarian this time. She also referred me to Dr. Ross Pagano, saying if there is something wrong, he will know what it is.

After the successful birth of my second child, I went to see Dr. Pagano. I told him of my symptoms and he diagnosed me on the spot with vestibulitis. I cried all the way home, I was so relieved that there was something physically wrong with me. As I was breastfeeding, I skipped all the other steps and went straight to see Marek Jantos. I have now been having biofeedback treatment for 4 months and also using dilators and things are going along well. Intercourse is no longer painful. My only obstacle now is teaching myself to relax. I have experienced pain for so long that I have come to expect that it will hurt.

All it took was persistence, a very understanding husband and two wonderful
doctors and I cant thank them enough.

J.T. Age 30 - Melbourne - Return to Top

Case Study

I have been suffering with vulvodynia for almost 4 years now, since I was 18 years of age. I have only been a patient of Marek Jantos for a year. This is because it took three years of “specialist shopping”, numerous painful and invasive procedures and operations and countless misdiagnosis’ before I was finally referred to Dr Ross Pagano who performed a vulvascopy and was able to confirm my condition. After failed treatment on Endep and numerous other anti-depressant type medications, Dr Pagano referred me to Marek who is an absolute god-send to me and any other person suffering with this condition. After having previous practitioners label me as neurotic and a hypochondriac because they could never find any clues as to why I was in such agony all the time, it has been like a miracle to find someone that understands this condition and has been able to help treat it. After initial success on the bio-feedback program, I am now enjoying significant relief from myofascial release work and although my symptoms are not at any level that I am entirely content with, I can at least now use a tampon without too much discomfort. To me that is a miracle.

The excruciating pain experienced with this condition is enough to drive anybody to disrepair. The consistent burning and stabbing pains that worsen when passing urine, sitting or walking for long periods or when trying to insert a tampon is sometimes too much to handle, especially when sex becomes something you dread and try to avoid because you so are scared of the pain involved. The fact that very few people understand or even know about the condition makes it so much worse, because you feel like you are suffering alone.

Emotionally, vulvodynia has tested me to the maximum. It is extremely difficult to stay positive, when you don’t know how long this pain will go on for. In the last four years I have been given false hope after false hope, when it has been only in the last year that I have felt any sort of relief. The recent treatment that I have been undergoing involves myofascial release of the pelvic, gluteus and psoas muscles, thus offering relief from the pain, however again we have “hit another wall” in that I cannot receive the treatment as often as I require, quite simply because there is not enough awareness of the condition or practitioners able to help treat it.

I hate the fact that people, even my local doctor, look at me funny when I say I have vulvodynia, purely for lack of understanding what it is. I hate the fact that I feel like I will never enjoy a healthy sex life. I hate the fact that passing urine is a scary experience. I hate the fact that hardly anyone understands what I’m going through, and that I often cry myself to sleep because I just want to be a normal, healthy 22 year old. I hate the fact that I don’t know if I’ll ever be so lucky as to live without this pain. I hate the fact that right now that seems impossible.

S.M. Age 22 - Return to Top

Case Study - My Life at 19

As the saying goes, "Life wasn't meant to be easy." Well let me say life is definitely not easy trying to battle with Vulvodynia as anyone with this condition will know.

I started going out with my partner 4 years ago. The first year was fine, we were both in love and our sexual life was going good until the 2nd year. I had always suffered from infections since I was very young but as our relationship continued I was becoming more and more in pain every time we would have intercourse and even more so after intercourse. I was getting more & more yeast infections than usual, having difficulty urinating without almost crying and then barely be even able to sit down. But I was in love and kept having intercourse trying my hardest to ignore that I had a problem.

The past 4 years I have been from doctors to doctors having swabs after swabs & pap smears after pap smears. I have been treated with many different tablets, ointments and creams that there are too many to list them. Each doctor had a completely different outcome as to what they thought my problem was.

As time went on, the 3rd year of our relationship I could no longer have intercourse at all or even be touched down there as the pain on a scale from 0-10 was 10 being the most painful. I was becoming more stressed and our relationship was hitting rock bottom because I was moody all the time and I lost total confidence in myself knowing I had a painfully bad problem but not knowing what it was. Then one day my local GP had heard about Dr Reid and gave me his number. I went and saw him and for the first time in 4 years or even longer he was the only doctor that had found out what was wrong, I had one of the most severe cases of vulvodynia that he had seen in a long long time. I couldn't believe that all this time there was someone out there that could actually help me for once!

Dr Reid performed surgery on me twice in July 2001 and since then I have been referred to Marek Jantos to help get me through my depression and chronic pain. To this day in January 2002 at the age of 19 I am still suffering from anxiety and continue to be on anti-depressants to help the depression and I'm taking Testosterone hormones to boost my hormone levels up.

I would say I have definitely improved alot from having my operations as in not being anywhere near as sore but I still cannot have intercourse yet as it is too soon although I look forward to the day when I will feel like a real women again.

My progress with Marek has taken me a long long way and without ever seeing both these most professional caring doctors I can't imagine or wonder how I would still be today.

To anyone suffering from Vulvodynia - it isn't easy to live with but with the right help from the right doctors it can make that whole little bit of a difference to your life because if you don't get help it will really start to ruin your life like it was to mine.

J.H. Age 19 - Sydney - Return to Top

Case Study

"As the time of my marriage drew near in 1998 I started to become anxious about sex - nervous about the first time and worried about it hurting. I barely knew what my genitals even looked like. I'd never used tampons (the time I tried to as a teenager it hurt so I gave up). I was pretty ignorant about my own body let alone combining it with someone else's.

I read helpful books and had a check up with a gynaecologist. I attempted to stretch the hymen with my fingers. By the time I was married I wasn't so ignorant but still anxious. On our honeymoon we found we couldn't achieve penetration. It just hurt too much to try. My husband was very patient and understanding (and has been to this day). We figured it wasn't the end of the world and it was just going to take time.

After about six weeks we finally achieved penetration with the aid of an anaesthetic gel. It was bearable but far from comfortable. It didn't solve anything really, and didn't remove the cause of the pain.

We left it way too long to see a doctor. After nine months of marriage we made an appointment with a GP who straight away referred us to a gynaecologist. This doctor diagnosed vulvar vestibulitis. It was a relief to know I wasn't the only one in the world with this problem, and that it wasn't just all in my head. With this doctor and then with one in a Melbourne we tried a few things (that other people had had success with), but with no improvement. The gynaecologist in Melbourne put us in contact with Marek at the Behavioural Medicine Institute.

It was a really tough couple of years for me emotionally. To be married but not living out the sexual side of marriage is very discouraging. I felt down a lot of the time and despairing, because I couldn't see the end of my trouble, I couldn't see how it was ever going to finish. So many times I just wished we could have marriage and leave the whole sex bit out. But I knew that couldn't work, sex is such a significant part of the union.

I kept thinking we were only a few months out from a resolution, but we never seemed to get there. My self-perception was affected. I felt inadequate as a woman and wife, I felt like a failure. Often my feelings would spiral into self-loathing.

With Marek we undertook biofeedback and practised controlling the pelvic floor muscles. I also started doing some stretches and relaxing muscles in general, and using dilators. We made progress, but still couldn't have intercourse.

Because we live in New South Wales, I arranged a consultation with Dr Reid in May this year and he explained that there was a pain loop happening that needed to be broken. Dr Reid performed surgery in June to remove some glands, which were part of the loop. We continued seeing Marek and working with the pelvic floor and other muscles.

It is now September 2001. We have been married for almost three and a half years. Last week, for the first time in our marriage, we had sexual intercourse and I felt no pain. We had stopped attempting sex more than two years before because of the problems. We feel like we are on our honeymoon - still with stacks to learn about pleasing each other but with a whole world of sexual intimacy laid out before us to discover."

K.B. Age 26 - Return to Top

Case Study

My husband and I had enjoyed a very healthy sex life for the first four years we had been dating. After that time and up until very recently, a period of five years, I was experiencing very painful sex. Apprehension and dread replaced the anticipation and excitement I normally felt towards sex. I began avoiding sexual situations and encounters with my husband as much as possible. My desire had totally gone, and I could have lived without sex forever, even pap smears were incredibly painful and unbearable. We stopped having a sexual relationship entirely. After 18 or so months, we began visiting counsellors, doctors and other health professionals. They all agreed I had episodes of thrush, I sometimes did and didn’t have vaginismus depending on the doctor, and I was repeatedly told that I “should just try to relax more”. They all meant very well but I’m sure they thought it was all in my head. Three years later I began seeing a Gynaecologist on advice from a counsellor who then referred me onto Marek Jantos. I began seeing Marek one year later and he was the first health professional to validate my condition and correctly diagnose it as Vulvodynia. I was almost in tears from the sense of relief I felt as I had begun to doubt myself, too. My treatment lasted eight months. As my condition began to improve so did my attitude towards sex, but it did take a long time, as I needed a lot of convincing. My relationship with my husband suffered greatly, and we’re still working through some of the issues. My husband has shown great understanding and support and we are only now beginning to enjoy our sexual relationship once again, slowly but surely.

D.S. Age 31 - Return to Top

Case Study

When I was 18 yrs old , I developed a reoccurring irritation of the vagina accompanied by an itch, rawness, discomfort and burning sensation, after spending several months on antibiotics. I experienced these symptoms on a daily basis and found that I was unable to use tampons. My local GP told me it was just a case of thrush (Candida). After seeing many GP’s, specialists (both gynecologists, and dermatologists) trying many different medications, medical procedures and even a laparoscopy. I was diagnosed with having a Chronic case of thrush and a hypersensitivity around the opening of the vagina. Although the medications helped to reduce the symptoms of the candida, it did not get rid of it fully and the hypersensitivity still remained. In fact as time went on, I became so sensitive that wearing jeans, pants or even at times underwear became extremely painful.

Having a social life became increasingly difficult to the point where it was non-existent. Emotionally it was so draining living with this everyday, that it affected my self-esteem self-confidence and even aspects of my personality. I battled depression, and also a sense of grief as a direct result of these problems. I also had to receive counselling to help me cope emotionally with these health problems. My career was affected, by the reduced hours I could only work and therefore affected the work that I could do.

So after exhausting all orthodox options, I turned to natural alternatives (Chinese herbalists, naturopaths, homeopaths and special diets). I must also mention that during this time I got married and not having been sexually active before marriage I then found that I was unable to have intercourse, as penetration was impossible and extremely painful at attempted entry. It was now 6 years since I started the search to be healed and I was fast giving up hope that I would ever get better. I thought I would have to live with this for the rest of my life.

Then a friend of mine showed me an article about Vulvodynia he found in a medical journal. To cut a long story short I was able to get in contact with Mr Jantos and Dr Reid, who diagnosed me with having Vulvodynia, thrush and a dermatitis. As the symptoms of Vulvodynia and thrush are very similar, apart from the fact that Vulvodynia is not well known, this is why I was misdiagnosed for so long. I’m happy to say that after a combination of Bio-feedback, medications, and an operation I was able to have intercourse with my husband for the first time after three and a half years of marriage.

E.C. Age 26 - Return to Top

Case Study

'I have suffered from vulvar pain for the past six years. I put up with the pain (only during intercourse) and basically accepted that it was just me. Maybe I was too small or something. I decided to get a check up a couple of years ago just to make sure there wasn't anything wrong that could be fixed with some tablets or something. Since then I have seen a GP, then was referred to a gynaecologist, then a Sexual Therapist, then a specialist and finally the Vulvar Pain Clinic. I am into my second month of treatment using the Biofeedback Therapy and am finally making some progress. The tension in my muscles have significantly decreased and the doctor is confident that by my wedding date which is in six months that I should see a dramatic improvement. Here's hoping.

T.R. Age 27

As per my previous case study, I have suffered from vestubulitis for the past 6 years. After brushing the problem under the carpet for four years, I finally decided to do something about the pain I was experiencing during sex. I visited a GP, Gynaecologist, Sexual Therapist, another gynacologist (who diagnosed the vestibulitis) when tablets didnt work I was referred to Marek Jantos.

I am pleased to say that with continual improvements each month I have now completed the Biofeedback Therapy treatment in just 5 months. The hypersensitivity in my nerve endings has stabilised and I now have learnt how to consciously relax my pelvic floor muscles. I have attempted sexual intercourse 3 times without pain and I couldn't be happier. We are getting married in February and the timing couldn't be better.

Thankyou Marek for all your help!!!!

T.R. Age 27 - Return to Top

Case Study

I have been seeing Mr Jantos for several months now in relation to various problems which were causing great difficulty in my sexual relationship with my partner who I live with.

I am a 27 years of age and have been sexually active for three years, only being with the one partner. I cannot remember every having sexual intercourse without feeling great discomfort in my pelvic area. I was experiencing sharp piercing pains on insertion and after intercourse experiencing burning sensations, an inflamed vagina and throbbing for periods of 15 minutes to half and hour after sexual activity. The degree of pain and duration varied from time to time.

After two years of this problem my partner and I consulted our local GP who fortunately was familiar with what she thought I was suffering from being vaginismis. She provided us with reading material and referred me to a gynecologist for treatment. It was explained to me at that time that my situation was very common among women but unfortunately not many women sought the appropriate treatment.

My gynaecologist conducted an examination of me and determined that I was indeed suffering from muscle contractions/spasms in my vulva area. She described this a severe problem but one she knew could be treated. I was extremely lucky have been referred to Mr Jantos for treatment.

I have other medical problems which possibly cause a link to the severity of my situation. I have had extensive abdominal surgery and as a result suffer from lower abdominal scar tissue. I also as a result of “putting up with” the pain for so long have a fear in my mind that any physical contact that may lead to sexual activity will cause me great pain and so avoid these situations. I am also fortunate that I have a very understanding partner who has tried his best to help me deal with this situation.

I feel that with the treatment I am receiving from Mr Jantos via the U Control and also understanding breathing techniques, muscle tension in all of my body and exercises that I will eventually be able to achieve pain free sexual intercourse. It does become frustrating to deal with at times, but you must keep your mind focused on working towards the end result. I believe it is as much of mind control and retraining along with the extensive and invaluable experience of Mr Jantos that will resolve my situation.

I only wish I knew about his treatment and sought same much earlier.

S.M. Age 27 - Return to Top

Case Study

Pain for me began around two and a half years ago and it was only a year ago that I was diagnosed with Vulvodynia. I ignored it for a while thinking it was related to thrush infections which I seemed to get regularly. At one point my partner and my doctor both suggested that the pain could be psychological and that I had lost interest in sex. The latter became true. Just the thought of having intercourse would be extremely stressful for me.

I had 24-hour pain. I could not wear trousers, particularly jeans for any length of time. I stopped using tampons altogether and I definitely stopped having intercourse. I kept going back to my doctor with more infections and explained the continual pain. The pain was so uncomfortable it could sometimes distract me from sleeping. I also felt disheartened, depressed and sympathetic to my partner who was extremely patient throughout my ordeal.

Thankfully I was referred to Dr Richard Reid who diagnosed my condition and explained my options. As my pain was severe an operation was recommended followed by a program of biofeedback through Marek Jantos.

Following the operation my 24-hour pain had been dramatically reduced. I do not have a problem wearing any trousers of jeans for the most part. My partner and I have intercourse more often (than never which it was prior to this). While I am still undergoing treatment, at this stage my life has dramatically improved. I am continuing to improve and feel that a total end to my pain is near.

C.H. Age 24 - Return to Top

< Have you read all the Case Studies on Page 1 ?